Fashion Q&A

reader’s question

Would wearing a linen suit be acceptable for a casual Las Vegas wedding in October, or does the Memorial Day to Labor Day rule apply in Vegas as well?

response

By “casual Las Vegas wedding” do you mean one of those drive-through chapels that gives you $50 in chips once the couple says their “I dos?” If that’s the case, you’ll be fine in a T-shirt and shades. But let’s assume that the affair you’re going to is a bit more legitimate and requires some degree of formal wear.

Geography alters certain fashion rules, linen suiting being one of them. Now if the wedding you’re attending was on the beach in Mexico, I’d say break out the linen suit and the SPF 32. However, Vegas doesn’t quite hang low enough on the map to justify it. Sure, it’s a desert and it can hit 90 degrees in October, but once Labor Day passes, a linen suit should be saved for tropical settings.

This doesn’t mean you have to settle for some boring navy wool suit that you bought especially for weddings and funerals.The best solution is a cotton suit. They are casual but classy, and the lightweight fabric will keep you cool while you’re doing some crappy group wedding dance under the desert sun. Colors range from white to navy, and the further you are into fall, the darker the color should be. For Vegas in October, I’d go for khaki or dove gray.Here’s one from J. Crew.

Retail price: $248Availability: J.Crew.com

reader's question

I am 20 years old. I am a country boy who also tries to dress fashionable. The last time I went to Rodeo Drive I was a little kid. I want to know, if I were to go there next week, what should I wear for people to see me and think to themselves, he has money and certainly should be shopping here? Keep in mind that I am not a rich man.

response

First, an important note: Dressing well should be less about impressing strangers on the street, and more about strengthening your confidence, though I understand not wanting to stick out in a crowd.

Keep your look cool but understated — and start with jeans. Grab a pair of dark wash jeans with a straight fit and no crazy detailing. On top, continue keeping it simple. Try a V-neck tee in a muted color, like gray. After that, go for the cool jacket that will make store clerks think you might have a Maserati parked around the corner. Something leather or even a nylon motorcycle jacket (dare I suggest Members Only?).

Now footwear is tricky. If I’m not wearing a suit, I feel overdressed in dress shoes but underdressed in sneakers. Something from Converse by John Varvatos, like these, aren’t weighed down with logos or bright colors.

Retail price: $110Availability: Piperlime.Gap.com

A quick way to give you a little age while in L.A. is to grow out some stubble. It needs to be even and well-groomed, so don’t just not shave. You want to look well-maintained, not hungover.

You’re reading this thinking, “jeans, T-shirt and stubble?” OK, so it’s not Old Hollywood style, but we’re not in Old Hollywood anymore. Look at James Franco or Leonardo DiCaprio. Two young guys with money and they aren’t walking around Robertson or Rodeo in Armani suits; anybody think they’re out of place?

What clothes do you invest in when you're in the process of losing weight? Our fashion Q&A continues next...